Masterpiece Mix

37 masterpieces inspire an artist in this introduction to art history that includes a search-and-find game.

"Today I will make a new painting," declares an artist, but first she must build a stretcher to stretch the canvas; select which paints, brushes, and palette knives to use; and, most importantly, decide what to paint. Will she paint a still life in the style of Robert S. Duncanson or a portrait in the manner of Mary Cassatt?

Using reproductions of art from the National Gallery of Art by Vincent van Gogh, Judith Leyster, Claude Monet and others pivotal figures in art history, Roxie Munroe introduces readers to a variety of iconic artists, art styles, and time periods.

The sweeping painting she creates by the book's end cleverly incorporates all 37 pieces she has considered. Eagle-eyed readers will love finding the works of art in her painting and learning more about the artists in the notes in the back matter.

You'll want to start building canvases and mixing colors for a masterpiece of your very own!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs